Jesus came to accomplish so many things. Freedom for sinners. Victory over death. Introducing his Father’s kingdom. Giving us a fulfilling way to live. Healing for the sick. Sight for the blind. Eternal Hope! All of this because Jesus was willing to submit to his Father in obedience. Jesus, “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with … Read More
Advent Devotional Day 24: The Star Part 2
Month later Wise men from the East arrived on the scene. Their first visit was to the capital, Jerusalem. Jerusalem would be where the king should be. “Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the … Read More
Advent Devotional Day 23: The Light
There are many names given for Jesus. I am. Emmanuel (God with us). Wonderful counselor. Might God. The Light of the world. In Jesus we have God coming down to earth. Fully God, Fully Man. In the beginning of John we have a snippet of what this looks like. “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with … Read More
Advent Devotional Day 22: It Is Time!
Finally! The time had come! The Christ was to be born in Bethlehem! No more waiting! A star had appeared in the sky and wise men from the east were following it. They would arrive a few months after the birth of Jesus. On that night an unlikely crew of shepherds would be the first to witness this baby. Shepherds! … Read More
Advent Devotional Day 21: The Promised Child
“But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.” (Galatians 4:4–5, NLT) Jesus was born during a time of unique peace for Israel. Peace from enemies, … Read More
Advent Devotional Day 20: The Good Place Part 2
Remember how Moses sent spies into the land that would be given to Israel and how they refused to entre? This time the people had been removed from the land and after a time in exile were returning. What they returned to was a destroyed temple and a destroyed city. With God’s intervention the people rebuilt the temple under the … Read More
Advent Devotional Day 19: The Star Part 1
Nothing reminds us of Christmas more than the Bethlehem Star. It was how the wise men found Jesus. The prophecy about the Bethlehem star happened many years before. Micah the prophet was sent by God during a time when Israel and Judah were wandering away from God under evil kings. He warned Judah that Israel would be destroyed by Assyria. … Read More
Advent Devotional Day 18: The New Covenant
The promise God made to Abraham of giving him a land, turning him into a great nation, and blessing the world through him was getting closer. The Old Covenant had been broken by Israel but not God. So God promised a new covenant. ““The day is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people … Read More
Advent Devotional Day 17: Servant of All
Not many people want to associate sorrow and suffering with Christmas. It is something we would rather avoid. It is uncomfortable. Yesterday we saw the image of Jesus as the good shepherd, today we see Jesus as the suffering servant. Who has believed our message? To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm? My servant grew up in the … Read More
Advent Devotional Day 16: The Good Shepherd
No one likes being called a sheep in this day and age. It is offensive. To the nation of Israel being called a sheep was a symbol of deep care from the shepherd. No shepherd wants what is bad for their sheep. They only want what will keep their sheep healthy and safe. This imagry from Isaiah gvies us an … Read More